As an established insurance agency, we understand that your home is likely the most valuable asset you own—both financially and emotionally. But many homeowners overlook a growing threat to that investment: flooding. Even just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. That’s a costly risk no homeowner should ignore.
Why Flood Insurance Still Matters
Flood insurance is designed to help protect your property and peace of mind. But with premiums on the rise in 2025, is it still worth it? We asked several industry experts for their take, and their responses fell into three clear categories.
1. Smart Protection Starts with Knowing Your Risk
“Flood insurance is the only real way to protect your home and belongings if a flood strikes,” says Melanie Musson, a home insurance expert. She recommends checking your property’s flood risk through FEMA’s flood maps—just enter your address to see your area’s risk level.
Even homes with a 1% annual chance of flooding (often called a “100-year flood zone”) are encouraged to carry coverage. According to Greg Martin, president of Think Safe Insurance, “Getting a quote is free and helps you make an informed decision. Many are surprised to learn it’s more affordable than they thought.”
Real-Life Example: Why Flood Insurance Made All the Difference for the Thompsons
Meet the Thompsons, a young family who purchased their first home just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. While their new neighborhood wasn’t in a high-risk flood zone, they took the advice of their insurance agent and checked the FEMA flood map. It showed their home sat in an area with a 1% annual flood chance — also known as a 100-year floodplain.
Their agent, citing advice from home insurance expert Melanie Musson, explained that “flood insurance is the only real way to protect your home and belongings if a flood strikes.” So the Thompsons got a quote — and were shocked to learn it would cost them just under $600 a year for basic protection. As Greg Martin of Think Safe Insurance points out, “Getting a quote is free and helps you make an informed decision. Many are surprised to learn it’s more affordable than they thought.”
Just nine months later, a stalled storm system dumped record rainfall in the area, flooding streets and seeping into dozens of homes — including the Thompsons’. Thanks to their foresight, the $600 flood policy they almost passed on covered over $30,000 in water damage to their floors, furniture, and walls.
Without it, they would’ve been on the hook for every penny.
2. Yes, Everyone Should Consider It—Even Outside Flood Zones
“Flood insurance isn’t just for high-risk zones,” says E. Tyler Ardron of Floodproofing.com. “Roughly 40% of NFIP claims come from properties outside designated flood zones.” His advice? If you own a home, get flood coverage. It’s that simple.
Though it may feel like an added expense, the potential cost of going without it can be financially devastating. Ardron emphasizes that the true value of flood insurance lies in the security it brings—especially when unpredictable weather events are on the rise.
Sarah, a single homeowner in Raleigh, North Carolina, never imagined her home could flood. It wasn’t located in a high-risk zone, and her mortgage lender didn’t require flood insurance. But after reading an article that cited E. Tyler Ardron of Floodproofing.com—who warned that “roughly 40% of NFIP claims come from properties outside designated flood zones”—Sarah decided to play it safe. For just under $500 a year, she added a basic flood insurance policy to her coverage.
Less than two years later, a freak thunderstorm dumped nearly 10 inches of rain in 24 hours. Streets turned to rivers, and runoff overwhelmed the neighborhood’s drainage system. Water poured into Sarah’s crawl space and soaked the lower level of her home, causing over $20,000 in damage.
Had she skipped flood insurance, Sarah would’ve had to pay for everything out of pocket. Instead, her policy covered repairs, replacement flooring, and temporary housing. “It felt like such a small expense when I bought it,” she said. “Now I know it was the smartest financial decision I’ve made.”
As Ardron puts it, “The true value of flood insurance lies in the security it brings—especially when unpredictable weather events are on the rise.”
3. Sometimes It’s Required—By Law or Your Lender
If you have a federally backed mortgage on a home in a high-risk flood area, flood insurance isn’t optional—it’s required by law. In some regions, even home insurers are starting to mandate it regardless of zone.
“In Florida, we’re seeing more companies require flood insurance for homeowners to maintain coverage—even outside flood zones,” Martin adds.
Getting Coverage Is Easier Than You Think
If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you’re automatically eligible. If not, private insurers also offer options—but their eligibility standards may vary.
Keep in mind that coverage doesn’t start right away. NFIP policies typically come with a 30-day waiting period, unless you’re closing on a mortgage. Private policies may have a shorter waiting period, usually between 10–14 days.
When Coverage Can Be Difficult
Some properties may face hurdles. Homes with a history of repeated flooding—or those that don’t meet building codes—may have trouble qualifying.
“In parts of Florida that have flooded multiple times, some homeowners have had to raise their homes to become eligible again,” Musson explains. And not all homes are eligible—those built entirely over water, partially underground, or violating floodplain laws may not qualify at all.
What Does Flood Insurance Cost?
Premiums are based on several factors: your property’s elevation, its flood zone, claims history, and any mitigation efforts you’ve made. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Average cost: Around $1,400 per year
- Lower-risk areas: Starting near $600 annually
- High-risk homes: Can exceed $10,000
Want to reduce your costs? If you’re in a higher-risk zone, an elevation certificate can help. Buying a home? Ask the seller for their current NFIP declarations page—it could help lower your own premium.
Don’t Stop at Insurance—Mitigation Matters
While flood insurance protects your finances, it doesn’t stop water from entering your home. We encourage homeowners to look into flood mitigation products and work with certified professionals to reinforce their property.
The Bottom Line
Flooding can happen almost anywhere, and the financial impact is often severe. As your trusted insurance partner, we recommend evaluating your risk, getting a quote, and strongly considering flood coverage in 2025. Whether you’re in a high-risk area or not, a small investment now could save you from massive losses later.
We make it easy to understand your property’s risk, walk you through affordable policy options, and ensure you’re protected before disaster hits. Just like the Thompsons and Sarah, whose foresight and coverage spared them tens of thousands in out-of-pocket repairs, you too can take smart, proactive steps today. Let Alexander Agency of St. Charles be your trusted partner in protecting what matters most. Call us today for a free, no-obligation flood insurance quote—and gain the security you deserve.